Cognac and brandy are often considered the same due to their color, taste, and properties. However, it's not that simple, not least because of the protected name and production method of one of the spirits. Where do both alcohols come from, what connects them, and what distinguishes them? How to tell them apart? What to serve cognac in, how to drink brandy, and how to find the best one?
Brandy vs. Cognac
Both brandy and cognac are types of wine, known as "winiak," distilled by heating and aged in oak barrels. The origins of such spirits are not entirely clear – historians suggest that the method of purifying alcohol by burning dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, the Dutch called it "brandewijn" ("burnt wine") – hence the direct origin of the name brandy.
It is also difficult to determine who invented this distillation method. Armenians, Moors, and even Egyptians or Chinese are mentioned. Thanks to the widespread knowledge, many varieties of distilled spirits emerged worldwide, which today delight connoisseurs and travelers. Poles also made them, and the resulting spirit was called wypalanka. A contemporary example of this type of brandy is śliwowica (plum brandy). Besides it, one should also try Greek metaxa, cherry kirsch, French calvados and armagnac, Spanish orujo, and Italian grappa. There are many examples, as different types of grape and even fruit wines are drunk in every region.
One thing is certain – the cognac recipe was developed by the French. This name refers to brandy produced from wine distilled in the region of the French town of Cognac. This spirit began to be distilled in 1617. While everyone called it by a word similar to today's brandy, the French referred to this drink as "eau-de-vie du Cognac," meaning "water of life from Cognac." The production technology has not changed for over 400 years, and the name "cognac" is legally protected.
Brandy from the Charente and Charente-Maritime regions, specifically 40% cognac, is produced from white grapes of selected varieties, from which a rather acidic wine is first made. It is then distilled and transferred to oak barrels. These barrels are also made from wood from at least hundred-year-old oak trees from the same region, which in turn is harvested using tools passed down through generations. Finally, after a minimum of two years for the cheapest varieties, before the finished alcohol reaches store shelves, the obtained liquids are blended.
The choice is ultimately very limited, as individual bottles differ only in vintage and production area within this small region of the European country. With the price, the vintage of each brandy from Cognac changes, and consequently, its aroma.
Serving Cognac
Good cognac is an exceptionally luxurious spirit. The limitation of its production, its centuries-old recipe, and the numerous rules governing its entire creation process make it considered one of the most elegant drinks in the world. Some bottles are even 100 years old or more!
Just like its production, drinking cognac also requires mastering the rules of savoir-vivre. The vessel in which it is served is, of course, important. The best will be a so-called "cognac glass," which is a low, bulbous glass with a short stem dedicated to brandy and cognac. The optimal serving temperature for tasting is as high as 20-21oC!
Fill the glass halfway at most, then bring it to your nose to detect the initial aromatic notes. It is not wrong to touch the rim of the glass if it helps to fully appreciate the aroma. As with tasting other spirits, the first sip should be small, and the liquid should be held in the mouth until the "burning" sensation caused by the alcohol completely subsides. Only then will the next sip allow you to enjoy the depth of flavor, which has been nurtured in a given distillery for hundreds of years!
This is certainly an extraordinary drink worth having in your home pantry for special occasions. It will be fantastic for important celebrations - for toasts or celebrating family successes!
Varieties of Brandy
Every cognac from specific areas of the town of Cognac is a brandy, but no other brandy is a cognac. Thanks to this, there are many varieties and types of the latter alcohol. The production process is, of course, quite similar and primarily involves distilling wine by heating it. The difference, however, lies in the raw material that undergoes these actions. These can be white grape wines, but also fruit wines, and even grape pomace juice. Thus, right from the start, the aim is to obtain grape, fruit, or pomace brandy.
In the second step, the liquid – if made from grape wine – is aged in oak barrels, which give it its golden color. It can also be blended, although this is not mandatory.
Grape wine brandy is categorized by aging time, and individual varieties are distinguished by symbols and stars. The "AC" designation indicates that the alcohol has spent only two years in barrels. "VS" is three-star brandy after three years of aging. Five stars and the "VSOP" symbol are given to alcohol that has spent 5 years in barrels. There are also brandies aged 6 years ("XO"), as well as 10 years or more ("Hors D'age").
Brandy producers also add herbs or flower petals to it. This is the case, for example, with Greek Metaxa. This means that connoisseurs of this approximately 40% spirit have a lot to choose from! Thanks to the diversity, many recipes for brandy drinks have also been created, and it has also become an additive to baked goods and desserts. How to drink brandy on its own, and how in a cocktail? How to serve it elegantly?
Brandy Tasting
How do you drink brandy? For three-star versions and above, it's worth trying them on their own! It is served after a hearty meal to aid digestion. Make sure the spirit reaches room temperature. Then, pour it to about ¼ or 1/3 of the glass's height. This will make it easier to enjoy its taste and aroma.
The entire tasting process is similar to that of cognac. Unlike, for example, wine, a brandy glass can be held by the bowl, as gently warming it with your hands will release even more aromas. It is a strong spirit, so only small sips are appropriate for tasting!
Fruit brandies, such as plum brandy, calvados, or Metaxa, are excellent bases for cocktails. It's worth remembering at least three recipes for brandy drinks that will allow you to further enjoy the richness that spirits from various European cultures offer.
To prepare a PLUM BRANDY COCKTAIL, you will need:
- Plum Brandy: 50 ml
- Cream 30%: 40 ml
- Cold espresso: 40 ml
- 5 ice cubes
Pour all ingredients into a shaker and add ice cubes. Mix thoroughly. Strain the liquid into a glass. Drink chilled.
To prepare a CALVADOS COCKTAIL, you will need:
- Calvados: 50 ml
- Pomegranate juice or syrup: 10 ml
- Juice from half a lemon
- Juice from half a lime
- 5 ice cubes
- Lemon slice for decoration
Pour all ingredients into a shaker and add ice cubes. Mix thoroughly. Strain the liquid into a glass and decorate with a lemon slice. Drink chilled.
To prepare a METAXA COCKTAIL, you will need:
- Metaxa: 1 part
- Tonic: 2 parts
- 3 ice cubes
Place ice cubes in a tall glass. Pour in Metaxa, then tonic. Drink chilled.